The rectum is the last 20 cm or so of the large bowel. It is the temporary storage area for bowel motions. Rectal prolapse occurs when the rectum turns itself inside out and comes out through the anus. Without treatment, the rectum will eventually need to be pushed back in manually... Women are six times more likely to suffer rectal prolapse than men.

Rectal prolapse is graded according to its severity, including:

• Internal prolapse – the rectum has prolapsed, but not so far as to slip through the anus. This is also known as incomplete prolapse • Mucosal prolapse – the interior lining of the rectum protrudes through the anus • External prolapse – the entire thickness of the rectum protrudes through the anus. This is also known as complete or full-thickness prolapse.

... Complications of rectal prolapse include:

• Risk of damage to the rectum, such as ulceration and bleeding • Incarceration – the rectum can’t be manually pushed back inside the body • Strangulation of the rectum – the blood supply is reduced • Death and decay (gangrene) of the strangulated section of the rectum.